Buddleia 'Miss Ruby' is a compact non invasive butterfly bush known for its vivid magenta pink blooms and long flowering period. Its dense upright form makes it ideal for borders, pollinator gardens, or containers, and it thrives in hot sunny locations where its vibrant color draws attention. The scented flowers are particularly attractive to pollinators while its sterile nature prevents unwanted reseeding.
Height & Spread: 48 - 60 in x 48 - 60 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer to frost
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer tend to avoid due to foliage texture and scent
Native Status
Buddleia 'Miss Ruby' is a hybrid cultivar developed for ornamental use and is not native to North America. However, it has been bred to be sterile and non invasive while maintaining strong ecological value for pollinators.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Highly attractive to butterflies such as Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, and Red Admirals throughout summer.
Bees
- Draws a wide range of bees including bumblebees, honeybees, and leafcutter bees that are drawn to the long lasting nectar supply.
Hummingbirds
- Ruby Throated Hummingbirds regularly visit for the tubular fragrant blooms especially during peak summer heat.
Beneficial Insects
- Hoverflies and lacewings are also attracted aiding in garden pest control by feeding on aphids and mites.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 48 - 60 inches apart to accommodate mature spread and airflow for disease prevention.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for mixed borders, foundation plantings, and pollinator gardens where continuous blooms and height provide structure and movement.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Silvery foliage and lavender flowers create cooling tones beside magenta blooms.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Mounded yellow foliage and flowers brighten the area while supporting pollinators.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Tall daisy like flowers reinforce the color theme and attract complementary pollinators.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Upright purple spikes offer a moody contrast to the warm pinks of Buddleia.
- Agastache 'Blue Fortune' - Licorice scented leaves and dense lavender flower spikes provide aromatic and visual balance.